Vintage Fashion Accessories
Maud Frizon Handbag c1980
Price: £150Jean Paul Gaultier Mini Fragrance Set, La Parade Des Extraits
Price: £75Collection Parfums Lalique miniature set in display box 1990s
Price: £55Art Deco Python Clutch
Price: £85Outstanding Suede Lanvin Clutch in original box 1950s
Price: £250Glossy brown crocodile handbag 1960s
Price: £65Brown crocodile Gherardini clutch 1970s
Price: £125Gherardini was founded in Florence in 1885 and has experienced and influenced fashion changes over 135 years. It is considered a symbol of Italian excellence throughout the world, always being synonymous with style, practicality and meticulous craftsmanship. These are some curious facts about its history:
The Gherardini family is one of the founding families of the Republic of Florence. The family was forced into exile as a result of the civil war between the Black and White Guelphs, along with Divine Comedy author and fellow White Guelph Dante Alighieri, who later placed the prestigious family in their coveted paradise.
One of the most prolific members of the family was Lisa Gherardini , who is believed to be the Mona Lisa , the woman whose mysterious smile was immortalized by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1503. In 2008, the fashion house held an event dedicated to the union between art and fashion, past and future titled Re-Thinking Mona Lisa Gherardini, in honor of her legendary ancestor.
Leonardo's masterpiece was sometimes printed on limited edition monogrammed Gherardini bags and the proceeds from the sale were used to fund artistic restoration.
Considered the original inventor of Made in Italy , in 1915 Garibaldo opened his first store on Via del la Vigna Nuova, a few meters from the historic boutique of his contemporary, Guccio Gucci.
The brand saw the launch of a women's leather collection modeled by Twiggy in 1975, followed by a ready-to-wear line in the 1980s, a range of Gherardini Lifestyle scarves, ties and umbrellas and a line of accessories for men, Gherardini Man. (Attributed to the Gherardini Website)
Classic black crocodile handbag 1940s
Price: £75Small suede handbag, England 1940s
Price: £25PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS FREE UK SHIPPING ON THIS ITEM. For international buyers the shipping cost will be reduced by the UK shipping cost, so don't worry if you are outside the UK, you still receive this benefit!
Massive Grotto style belt buckle c1980
Price: £25Small Art Deco wrist bag with Bakelite closure 1920s
Price: £35Vintage Woven Straw and Raffia Beach Bag, 1950s
Price: £65Dark chestnut crocodile handbag 1940s
Price: £75Large python handbag with wood closure detail 1930s
Price: £125Vintage Wicker and Plastic Woven Basket with Handles, probably mid C20th
Price: £45Striking 1950s applique summer handbag
Price: £65Ring Tail Lizard Skin Minaudiere with a strap handle marked JD, 1930s
Price: £95This example opens out on one side (the clasp is rather stiff) to reveal a mirror and two lidded powder compacts (complete with the guaze liners) and a holder for a comb (now missing) and on the other where there is a cigarette holder and a compartment presumably for matches. On the lid of this is a pouch doubtless intended as a purse. At the end is a pull out lipstick holder with a small strap and the piece hangs from a strap handle marked with the initials JD.
The piece is in remarkable condition for its age and recalls an era of elegance which a contemporary user might emulate on some special occasion.
1950s Regency style needlepoint kit bag
Price: £751960s Dorothy picnic basket
Price: £35Patent Crocodile Handbag, Italian 1970s
Price: £75Please note that the original double strap handle has been recently remodelled to a simple loop as being more practical and consistent with the overall design of the piece.